LANSING — Today, Legislative Republicans passed two bills, SB 1171 and SB 1175, gutting the citizen-led ballot initiatives that were passed into law back in September. In response, state Rep. Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo) issued the following statement:
“Our democracy is strongest when our citizens are engaged in the political process. Over 400,000 of our citizens voted and clearly indicated their support for an increase in the minimum wage and for paid sick leave. The changes passed along party lines are a direct affront to our democracy and to the residents of Michigan. The actions taken today — by radically changing the original proposals — send the message that the work citizens do isn’t valued. These changes will mean many working people will have to continue working multiple jobs in order to support their family and won’t be able to take time to care for themselves or their family if they get sick.”
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